Probationary IAS Officer Pooja Khedkar’s Controversies Escalate as PMO Takes Action

Probationary Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Pooja Khedkar‘s tumultuous journey has taken a sharp turn as she faces escalating controversies during her probation period in Pune, Maharashtra.

An investigation has been initiated into Ms. Khedkar’s allegations of seeking special privileges and manipulating her candidature claims, leading to her recent transfer to Washim district administration from Pune.

The Prime Minister‘s Office (PMO) has intervened in response to the misuse of disability category and Other Backward Class (OBC) quotas by Ms. Khedkar, requesting a detailed report from the Pune District Collector and the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNA).

Ms. Khedkar, a 2023 batch IAS officer, faces accusations of exploiting her father’s influence, a former IAS officer, to secure preferential treatment and allowances, including a separate office, residence, car, and staff.

Furthermore, discrepancies were highlighted regarding her purported disability status and OBC certification presented during her recruitment into the Indian Administrative Service.

A series of demands made by Ms. Khedkar, evident from WhatsApp conversations, indicated a pattern of high-handedness and insistence on obtaining various amenities before assuming her role.

In light of these developments, the Pune District Collector submitted a report outlining Ms. Khedkar’s misconduct, prompting the transfer to Washim district administration amidst growing calls for a comprehensive investigation.

Activists, including RTI crusader Vijay Kumbhar, have raised concerns over the alleged misuse of reservation benefits and discrepancies in Ms. Khedkar’s financial background, casting doubt on her eligibility for the coveted IAS position.

The single-member committee, led by an Additional Secretary, has been tasked to verify the claims and details put forth by Ms. Khedkar, with a report expected within the next two weeks.

Despite the mounting controversies, Ms. Khedkar expressed her enthusiasm for her new role in Washim district, refraining from commenting on the ongoing issues citing governmental restrictions.

With the spotlight firmly on her actions and background, the future of Pooja Khedkar’s career in the civil services remains uncertain, awaiting the outcomes of the official investigations and responses from key authorities.